Homeschool by State
Homeschooling in South Carolina: Requirements, Records & How to Get Started
Everything South Carolina families need to homeschool with confidence — the three legal options explained in plain English, plus the records to keep it simple.
South Carolina homeschool law, summarized
South Carolina families homeschool through one of three approved options
What South Carolina actually requires
South Carolina offers three legal ways to homeschool. Option 1 is direct approval by your local school district (the most involved). Option 2 is membership in the South Carolina Association of Independent Home Schools (SCAIHS). Option 3 is joining any homeschool association with at least fifty member families. Most families choose Option 2 or 3 for simpler oversight.
Across the options the teaching parent needs a high-school diploma or GED, you teach a 180-day year covering reading, writing, math, science, and social studies (adding composition and literature in grades 7–12), and you keep a plan book, a portfolio of work, and semiannual progress reports. The district option adds annual statewide testing. Good records make whichever option you pick straightforward.
Official South Carolina resources
Always confirm current rules directly with the state. These are the authoritative sources:
South Carolina Dept. of Education — Home Schooling ed.sc.gov ↗HSLDA — South Carolina Homeschool Laws hslda.org ↗
The records smart South Carolina families keep
Every South Carolina option runs on a plan book, portfolio, and progress reports. Homeschool Reports keeps report cards and records organized all year.
Generate South Carolina-ready records without the busywork
Enter your students once and produce progress reports, report cards, attendance logs, and transcripts whenever your option requires — no spreadsheets, no formatting headaches.
Choosing a South Carolina homeschool curriculum
South Carolina names the core subjects but lets you choose the curriculum. Keeping a plan book and simple records of what you cover satisfies your option’s requirements with ease.
Common questions about homeschooling in South Carolina
What are the three homeschool options in South Carolina?
Option 1 is local school district approval, Option 2 is SCAIHS membership, and Option 3 is joining any homeschool association with at least fifty member families. Most families use Option 2 or 3.
Does South Carolina require testing?
It depends on your option. The district option (Option 1) requires annual statewide testing; the association options set their own progress requirements.
What records must I keep in South Carolina?
A plan book showing subjects and activities, a portfolio of the student’s work, and semiannual progress reports. The teaching parent needs a diploma or GED.
Can my homeschooled student get a diploma in South Carolina?
Yes. SCAIHS and many associations issue diplomas, and you can maintain your own transcript. Homeschool Reports generates professional report cards, transcripts, and diplomas.
Start homeschooling South Carolina with confidence
Keep plan-book- and portfolio-ready records without the busywork — starting free, no credit card required.